Ötzi the Iceman, found in the Ötztal Alps and whose site and remains dated about 3,300 BC. In Serbia a copper axe was found at Prokuplje, that indicates that Human use of metals started in Europe around 7,500 years ago (~5,500BC) many years earlier than previously believed.

Knowledge of the use of copper was far wider spread than the metal itself. The European Battle Axe culture used stone axes modelled on copper axes, with imitation "mold marks" carved in the stone.[3]

Examples of Chalcolithic cultures in Europe include Vila Nova de São Pedro and Los Millares on the Iberian Peninsula.[4] Pottery of the Beaker people has been found at both sites, dating to several centuries after copper-working began there. The Beaker culture appears to have spread copper and bronze technologies in Europe, along with Proto-Indo-European languages.